Thursday, May 21, 2015

Dear God,

How can I pray for my children and my family if I do not pray for your children and your whole family?  How can I pray for love and safety for my grandchildren if I do not pray for the world's children who suffer?  How can I pray for myself if I do not pray for others?

Sometimes, O Lord, we are selfish and self-centered.  We pray for me and mine and forget, neglect to pray for those others near and far.  We are so interested in our home, our family, our community, our friends, and our nation but ignore the rest of your family.  In so doing we fail to live up to your expectation to love and care for one another even those who are strangers to us, those who are different than we are, and those who live in other nations and practice different cultures and faith.  We cannot bear the name Christian and not remember in prayer all our brothers and sisters.

As we listen to the news and hear of tragedy, loss, and sorrow, we must pray for those who are in pain.

Forgive us,
O Lord,
when we fail
to remember
we are
only part,
a teeny part
of your family.
Forge in us
the ability
and the desire
to pray daily
for all
your children.
Help us do
our part
to alleviate
the suffering
in our world.

Love, Andrea